A Friend’s First Drive Experience Of The Nissan LEAF

After that 5-hour drive that might have been 2 hours, and my tardiness, I wanted my host to understand truly my passion for the Nissan LEAF. As I apologized for being later than scheduled, he suggested perhaps I should switch to a Chevy Bolt. I suggested he drive the LEAF. I easily count on everyone’s first experience of the Nissan LEAF as being informative for them (thus far, they seem always to be immeasurably enjoyable).

We passed his rather new top-of-the-line Audi as we walked through his garage to the LEAF. Frank drives sleek, high-quality automobiles. His last was a sporty BMW.

Besides his love for beautiful cars, and art, Frank is a natural environmentalist and lives with a lighter footprint than many. He dries his clothes on the line. His diet consists of (for many years) all-organic food, leaning towards and mostly vegan. I did not have to explain to him anything about the downs of air pollution and why I was avoiding all gas stations. Due to the inconvenience of the longer drive, I wanted him to know why I would choose this lengthy drive again — in the LEAF.

I taped some of his comments as we drove. To begin, Frank shares his experience as we get going (these are from memory):

(Cynthia) “You begin by pressing the start button.”

(Frank) “OK, I pressed the start button, but nothing happened.”

(C) “Yes, it did. It started up.”

(F) “What? It’s running? . . I can’t even hear it.”

(C) “Put it in reverse and try backing out of the driveway?”

(F) “Wow, the rear-view camera is awesome. I can see 180 degrees behind me on the video display.”

(C) “How does it feel?”

(F) “Nice turning ratio. I can back up and turn at the same time using just one hand…. Let’s try it out on the open road.”

Moments later

(C) “Now that you’ve been driving for a while, what do you think?”

(F) “It’s hard to believe how nice this car feels gliding down the road, so smooth and quiet. I think the best word to describe it is effortless.”

(C) “Would you buy one?”

(F) “Hmm. I’ve got a year and a half left on my current lease. I’ll certainly check one out then. I’m sure they’ll be updated with more miles between charges, etc. Thanks for the test drive.”

Now, here are a few remarks that my cell phone kept:

(F) “It’s so responsive — moving as in a silent airplane through time and space. I feel as if I am on a private plane.”

(C) “Without that terrible smell of diesel or any distractions.”

At that point, there was no more explaining for me to do. Frank was clearly loving the
experience of the LEAF. He mentions smooth, soft, air bound. He presses on the electron pedal and is quite impressed with the torque. One typically thinks of Tesla and torque, but all fully electric cars have it.

Zero emissions and an immeasurably comfortable drive are what sets a Nissan LEAF apart in my opinion.

Again, one correlates strong torque to a Tesla Model S P90D or perhaps BMW i3, yet Frank thrills again with our swift flight forward in the LEAF. Torque is different with an all-electric car. Completely distinct from the experience of an ICE.

I encourage him to go test drive a Tesla, experience the autopilot. I think Frank’s next car might be an EV of some kind.

About the Author

Cynthia Shahan Cynthia Shahan is an organic farmer, licensed AP, anthropologist, and mother of four unconditionally loving spirits, teachers, and environmentally conscious beings who have lit the way for me for decades.

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